Why You Should Make Shorts in 2026

Video Description

YouTube is changing again — and this time it’s happening quietly. The homepage now shows fewer long-form videos and far more Shorts, which makes competition for attention tougher than it used to be. In this video, I share my honest thoughts on Shorts, what YouTubes CEO Neal Mohan has said about their plans for 2026, and why I think Shorts are becoming an important discovery tool for small creators. This isn’t hype or fear-based advice — just a grounded look at how I’m thinking about future-proofing my channel and adjusting my strategy based on what we can actually see happening. Link to Neal Mohans Blog Post: https://blog.youtube/inside-youtube/the-future-of-youtube-2026/ Stride Warrior: www.youtube.com/@UC-aYa3tL_7IAMAEjuGpkGKg My FREE Skool Community: https://www.skool.com/aidy-ballard-5477/about?ref=2cca228b7a5248d2b880aaa0966ec896 Best Tool For New Creators VidIQ: https://vidiq.com/AidyBallard SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHANNEL for more Youtube talk for New Creators, especially those over 40: www.youtube.com/@AidyBallard?sub_confirmation=1 📹 *** MY EQUIPMENT *** 📹 (These are affiliate links so I may receive a small commission if you click on these) CAMERA: Sony ZV-E10 Mk 2 - https://amzn.to/4pkkqmF DJI Pocket 3 - https://amzn.to/3TeFZHb DJI Action 6 - https://amzn.to/4rLGmsQ LENS: For the Sony: Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens for Sony E (402965) Black https://amzn.to/4aFLZCq For the Sony: Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary (for E Mount) https://amzn.to/3MmU3Oz For DJI Pocket 3 - Neewer Magnetic ND/CPL Filter Set Compatible with DJI OSMO Pocket - 3 - https://amzn.to/42yKNwb AUDIO DJI Mic 2 - https://amzn.to/4ntilEC Rode Podcaster Mic - https://amzn.to/44BYbzF LIGHTS: NEEWER Enhanced 660 Pro II RGB LED Video Light - https://amzn.to/49H454X Elgato Key Light - https://amzn.to/3I58epr Neewer 9" LED Video Light Panel - https://amzn.to/3TUpTm4 NEEWER 110cm Light Reflector Light Diffuser 5 in 1 - https://amzn.to/42fpNua NEEWER Upgraded Softbox Diffuser for NL660 RGB660 PRO II - https://amzn.to/4qq1yDv NEEWER NP-F970 2Pcs 7800mAh Replacement Batteries - https://amzn.to/4pSassq TELEPROMPTERS: Elgato Prompter – Teleprompter with Built-in Screen - https://amzn.to/44QbmOc PRONSTOOR Teleprompter Kit Portable Inscriber Mobile Phone Teleprompter - https://amzn.to/4iaa9Xv LAPTOP Razer Blade 17 Pro - https://amzn.to/45n7Mvv TRIPODS TARION 4 in 1 TitanRig - https://amzn.to/4pP6T66 TARION Camera Overhead Stand - https://amzn.to/4pMBaCw NEEWER Overhead Camera Mount Rig - https://amzn.to/48U8KkO NEEWER Camera Desktop Mount with Holder - https://amzn.to/4rI4r3t NEEWER Table Head Camera Holder Arm - https://amzn.to/48Wz7Xq ULANZI MT-89 Extendable Tripod Aluminum, 82" - https://amzn.to/3I8JMDu Joby Gorilla Pod 3K - https://amzn.to/4keeCb1 SMALLRIG 22" Magic Arm with Clamp - https://amzn.to/4oP1uM8 Small Rig 10" Arm - https://amzn.to/4l6t9qv SMALLRIG Universal Magic Arm with Small Ball Head - 2157 - https://amzn.to/46EdclE NEEWER Camera Sliding Cart with Ball Joint Phone Clip - https://amzn.to/4iGXwnb DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Phone Holder + Osmo Pocket 3 Stand - https://amzn.to/4mUziqd NEEWER 3 Inch Super Clip - https://amzn.to/4pM4LMk SMALLRIG Cheese Plate with 1/4 & 3/8 Thread, Multifunctional Mini Cheese Bar - https://amzn.to/3IDHSLB Camera Grip Convert Mounting Screws Tripod Screw - https://amzn.to/42Rahom NEEWER Mount Adapter Compatible with DJI Osmo Action - https://amzn.to/3YOkyj0 MEMORY CARDS For my Sony Camera: SanDisk 256GB Extreme PRO SDXC, V60 - https://amzn.to/4iH8oRP For my DJI Cameras: SanDisk 256GB Extreme microSDXC, V30 - https://amzn.to/4mzZtSy STORAGE / CASES Lekufee waterproof hard case for DJI Osmo Pocket 3/Creator Combo - https://amzn.to/3VywZxN OTHER: Neewer® 1.8x2.8m PRO Photo Studio - https://amzn.to/45lIGgr BUBM Desk Mat,Office Desk Pad - https://amzn.to/45hmFPV Neewer 6 Pack Set Heavy Duty Muslin Spring Clamps Clips - https://amzn.to/49wzSXI Black Acrylic Plates A3 - https://amzn.to/49wzW9U